Rankin v. McPherson

This case expanded the category of "speech on a matter of public concern." At the time of the decision, some circuit courts of appeals were using the dissent's standard: speech on a matter of public concern informed citizens and helped them make democratic decisions. Some critics have noted that the Court did not provide a clear analysis of "public concern." If the expanded definition proves difficult to apply, courts may retreat from the Connick threshold requirement, back to the Pickering balancing.